Akker's brother to tackle Cheetahs in Bloem

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENTS: The Cheetahs will see a number of familiar faces when they host Edinburgh in a Pro14 Round Nine match in Bloemfontein on Friday.

There are three South African players in the Scottish outfit's matchday 23.

Top of that list is utility back Jaco van der Walt, who was a key player for the Golden Lions when they knocked the Cheetahs out of the Currie Cup competition in the final round of league action.

Van der Walt, who was recently released by the Lions, will make his Pro14 if he comes off the bench.

Also set to make his Pro14 debut is George-born wing Duhan van der Merwe. He was named in the starting XV.

The brother of former Lions and current Sharks hooker Armand 'Akker' van der Merwe, played age-group rugby for the SWD Eagles - before moving to the Blue Bulls in 2016 (where he played just two matches) before he featured in four matches for Montpellier that year. He joined Edinburgh this year.

Seasoned lock Anton Bresler, with well over 100 first class games - 80-odd for the Sharks and 60 for Edinburgh since he joined them in 2014 - will also start against the Cheetahs.

The Cheetahs have also made a few noteworthy selections.

Clayton Blommetjies will be making his return at fullback.

Daniel Maartens and Craig Barry will be making their Pro14 debuts when they set foot on the field.

Maartens is a youngster who came through the ranks, while Barry is a new recruit who just recently moved from Western Province.